Coco Chanel Was Much More Than An Iconic Fashion Designer
Chanel is a brand that does not need an introduction. Legions of ardent fans still praise iconic lady, Coco Chanel and of course her brand. Chanel’s luxurious legacy is still growing and is getting us inspired globally every day.
Along with the luxe and popularity that is associated with Coco Chanel, there are some astonishing facts about this designer that can leave your mind in shock! Both in a positive and negative sense. Scroll ahead, and know some of these through this narrative.
Controversial Love Affairs
Big shot Coco Chanel carried so much weight in her times that she had love-affairs with popular aristocrats and high ranking people of the elite society of her times. She had been mistress to some of the most influential men but she was never married.
Andre Palasse Was Allegedly Coco’s Child
At the age of 23, when Coco Chanel was just a whippersnapper, she became a mistress to Etienne Balsan. Balsan was an ex-French cavalry officer and textile officer. Biographer, Justine Picardie studied the life of Chanel and in his book ‘The Legend and The Life’. He mentioned that Andre Palasse, who was supposedly the only child of her sister Julia-Berthe, was actually Chanel’s child with Balsan.
Coco Chanel Was Not Born ‘Coco’
Few people know about this gospel truth! Fiercely independent Coco Chanel was named Gabrielle Chanel. Her name was entered wrongly in the official register as ‘Chasnel’. Even after this, she went to her grave with the name Coco Chasnel. She became popular by the name ‘Coco’ as she used to sing the song ‘Who Has Seen Coco’ in cabarets which was her source of income in her later teen and early twenties.
Long Relationships But No Commitments
As told earlier, she has been involved with men of elite society and higher ranks. Her relationships as mistress lasted for many years with men of higher rank. One of the most famous anecdotes regarding this is her relationship with vastly wealthy Duke Westminister, Hugh Richard Arthur Westminister lasted for ten years. In addition to this, she was introduced to Edward VIII (Duke’s cousin and Prince of Wales). The Prince was smitten by Chanel in the first meeting even after her involvement with his cousin. Some authors in their books mentioned that Prince and Chanel shared great amorous time.
Bossy Lady Labeled Hollywood as ‘Vulgar’
She was invited to design clothes for films and her outfits were worn by Gloria Swanson in the movie ‘Tonight or Never (1931). Her experience did not go well and she was told that her dresses were not sensational enough. This was the reason the designer lacerated Hollywood and did not work with any projects related to it.
